Why I Care

There are a myriad of reasons why I have a reverence towards the work of Paul Taylor and the influence that he has had on the world of modern dance.  The main reason that I am so drawn to his work is his ability to have a social commentary about his work in a powerful and moving way that strays away from politics and the often stoic nature of that aspect of our society here in America.  He is able to successfully combine dark and serious and witty and funny in a way that is always natural and inventive.  Because of his revolutionary approach to choreography and movement, he is an artist that I greatly admire and appreciate for his contribution to what dance is today.

One characteristic of Paul’s work that I find to be fascinating is his sense of humor.  It is so subtle and yet so obvious such as in the work “From Sea to Shining Sea” where he pokes fun and questions the icons found in American culture.  What makes him so unique is the fact that he doesn’t just make statements solely to say what his opinions are, but he poses questions for society to ponder on many touchy subjects that we often don’t like to talk about in society.  When I am choreographing I find myself making dances that are serious and about personal experience.  I think I can learn a lot from Paul about using my personal experiences to be inquisitive and look more at the subtleties of life.  Taylor often uses pedestrian movements to inspire his choreography like in “Esplanade.”  This was one of my favorite pieces of his with the beautiful movement quality and the structure that the 5 different sections employed. 

The public needs to take note of Paul Taylor and his contribution to dance because of the sheer scope of his work.  He is over 80 years old and has been making dances since a young age.  By seeing his dances over the years, you can see the history and events in society that were the driving force for his work.  Looking at his dances, you can see the social commentary and the emotions that were felt at the time the dance was made.  It is fascinating that his dances have such a resonance and connection with our history and our social culture because he himself has described his work as being something purely for him and not for society, yet it has so much impact for society. Today, it is easy to see the influence that Paul Taylor has had on the dance world.  He is still making dances at such an old age and doesn't intend to stop.  I admire how driven and passionate he is about making dances and know that learning more about him will forever impact me as an artist.

"Company B"

“Evokes the exuberant rhythms of the '40's as well as the grim and persistent shadow of war. But even more vividly, it honors Taylor's magnificent dancers. Some of the most glorious dancing to be seen anywhere…” – Laura Shapiro, Newsweek

Music: Songs sung by the Andrews Sisters
Costumes: Santo Loquasto
Lighting: Jennifer Tipton
Date First Performed: June 20, 1991

http://www.thefastertimes.com/dance/2010/07/04/a-note-on-paul-taylor%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Ccompany-b%E2%80%9D/

By Jose

Why I Care

One of the things that interests me about Paul Taylor is his ability to make work that is both funny and uplifting or dark and serious. I have just begun to realize how more comfortable I am in making work that is serious or psychological rather than light-hearted or funny. Paul Taylor though, seems to find a balance between both, and I admire that. He is able to drop subtle hints of something being "off" and then proceed with moments of humor, but always getting to the tragic humor of our faults as humans.

For instance, in "Company B", a work centered around music from the forties and the cheerfulness of wearing pastel colors dancing and celebrating being American, there is an underlying message of war and how at any moment they may be called to serve their country and die. The piece quickly introduces this parallel idea of joy and darkness by having people fall and "die" and then getting up again like nothing happen. Paul drops these subtle ideas that begin to compile and make sense, and the tragedy is that we forget about these psychological ideas of mourning, depression, and fear until we make the connections. Paul's ability to layer his work through costumes, music, dancing, and ideas is something that I appreciate.

Generally the public should note his work and follow his legacy as I would describe him, a virtuosic choreographer. He has created work about war, incest, homosexuality, and religion among other polar ideas. Paul has also been able to juxtapose and layer his works through concepts and music and even created work based on daily observation of people such as a woman trying to catch a bus ("Esplanade").  Even more interesting is that he does all of these works because it interests him, rather than making work that is solely about war or innocence.

Paul Taylor is just as in the "scene" as any other younger choreographers (in comparison to his age of 81 years old). He is still making work, two of his most recent within the last year are "House of Joy" and "Gossamer Gallants". His works still explore varying subjects like prostitution, insects, memory, an artists' experiences among others. Though some of our current choreographers explore site specific, improvisation, and/or technology, Paul is still holding strong with what he does, and from what I learn of him is that he would not have it any other way. He would not be jealous or envious, he would simply keep working until some new idea comes to him, not necessarily trying to compete with the more current dance scene, but perhaps leaving room to create work on the present day advances and probably poke fun of in some way.

by Jose

"From Sea to Shining Sea"

“If the United States had a proper arts policy, Paul Taylor would be declared a national treasure…Sea [has a] naughtily satiric view of Lady Liberty and the other symbols of America ranging from Superman to the KKK… Darkly funny.” – Christine Temin, Boston Globe


-AR